Root submergence technique for bone preservation to restore badly broken tooth – A case report

Abstract

Root submergence is a minimally invasive surgical technique introduced to preserve alveolar ridge volume in comparison to other partial extraction therapies that are currently mentioned in literature. This case report describes a conservative method of restoring non-restorable anteriorly fractured tooth in growing patient. The aim of this treatment method is to maintain hard tissue and soft tissue in anterior zone for future implant placement. A 13-year-old female patient presented to our primary care dental clinic with dental trauma that occurred 3 years ago. The chief complaint was to restore the badly broken teeth for esthetic purposes. The tooth was restored with a resin-bonded bridge and root submergence was done considering the need for future implant placement. Root submergence in the upper left central incisor (21) has been done to prevent buccopalatal collapse of the post-extraction bone. The root submergence technique helps in retaining the bone, thus reducing bone resorption. Considerable success has also been demonstrated in maintaining the periodontal tissues at the pontic site with this technique. This enables future dental implant placement without the need for bone augmentation. The treatment was successful and the patient is under follow-up and review visits. We did not notice any signs and symptoms of failure. This technique is minimally invasive and very successful in young patients for whom implant treatment is considered in the future.